How To File A State Farm Texas Insurance Claim
Key Takeaways
- You can file a State Farm insurance claim in Texas online, by phone at 800-732-5246, or through a local agent.
- Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule — you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
- If the at-fault driver’s coverage isn’t enough, underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your medical expenses.
- Texas policies typically include $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to pay medical bills regardless of fault.
- Hartley Law Firm can assist if you have questions or need help pursuing a claim against State Farm or any other insurer.
Insurance Claim Basics
Regardless of which insurance company you use, there are a few basic things to know about insurance coverage and how it relates to car accidents. Understanding these basics will help you claim all the damages related to your accident.
Ultimately, whether you can recover damages depends on whether you contributed to the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. That means someone who contributed to their accident and injuries through their own negligence can still recover compensation as long as they were not more than 50% at fault. Their recoverable damages award will then be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
It’s also important to understand that you can recover damages for your injuries and financial losses in one of three ways:
- You can file an insurance claim with your own insurance;
- You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company; or
- You can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Texas auto insurance policies automatically include $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage pays for medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. Medical payments coverage insurance is also available in Texas. Like PIP, it pays medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. It will also pay if you were injured in someone else’s car or while walking or biking.
A common question asked is “what if the driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover accident injuries they cause to others”? There are multiple courses of action if this takes place. You could sue them for the remainder, or you could turn to your underinsured motorist coverage if you have it.
Underinsured motorist coverage can cover medical bills when the other driver lacks insurance. In either case, a personal injury attorney can help you determine what option is best for you.
Preparing to File a State Farm Claim
When it comes time to file a claim with State Farm Texas, being well-prepared can make all the difference. The first item to check off your list is gathering all necessary documentation, including your policy number, the date of the incident, and any relevant receipts or invoices. Having this information readily available will help tremendously in expediting the claim process.
Next up, reach out to your local agent or use the State Farm claims phone number to contact the department directly and report the incident. They will guide you through the claims process and provide instructions on the next steps. It’s crucial to follow their guidance to ensure your claim is handled promptly and accurately.
Additionally, take photos and videos of any damage or losses you have incurred. Visual evidence can be invaluable in supporting your claim and ensuring it is processed quickly. Keep a detailed record of all communications with State Farm Texas, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with. This documentation can help resolve any issues that may arise during the claims process.
Filing Your State Farm Claim
If someone else crashed into you, the standard procedure is to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance provider. This is called a third-party claim.
On the other hand, you could decide to use your insurance rather than deal with the other person’s insurance company. If you have collision insurance, you can use it for car damage caused by someone else.
Whether you are a third party or a policyholder, the easiest way to file a State Farm insurance claim is online. You can also file by phone by calling the State Farm claims phone number.
When filing a claim, be sure to have as much of this information available as possible:
- Date, time, and location of the incident,
- Vehicles involved,
- Description of the incident,
- Description of damages, and
- Police accident report details.
In Texas, a police accident report must be prepared if anyone was injured or died in the accident or if there appears to be $1,000 or more worth of damage to someone’s property. If the police didn’t respond to the accident, you’ll also need to file a report with the local authorities. It’s important to remember that your insurance policy likely requires you to report any accident you’re in by a specific deadline. To find out what your State Farm Texas reporting requirements are, check your policy information or call your provider.
Don’t Handle the Insurance Claim Process on Your Own
If you have questions about how to file a State Farm insurance claim in Texas, the attorneys at Hartley Law Firm are here to help. Navigating the claims process on your own can feel overwhelming, and without guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer, you could miss out on the full compensation you deserve.
It’s also important to remember that State Farm, like all insurance companies, is ultimately focused on protecting its bottom line—not your best interests. Insurance companies are often motivated to minimize payouts, which means the first settlement offer you receive may not fully reflect the true value of your claim. You should never feel pressured to accept an offer without first understanding your rights and options.
Hartley Law has offices conveniently located in both Carrollton and Irving, Texas, making it easy to connect with a knowledgeable Carrollton or Irving car accident lawyer who can review your case and explain your legal options. Led by award-winning attorney Austin Hartley, our team is committed to helping clients secure the compensation they need to move forward after an accident.
Contact Hartley Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can assist you with your accident claim — whether it involves State Farm claims or any other insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Farm Insurance Claims in Texas
How long after an accident can you file a claim with State Farm?
While Texas law does not set a specific deadline for filing an insurance claim after a car accident, your State Farm policy likely requires you to report the accident promptly or within a reasonable period of time. This usually means filing your claim within days or a few weeks of the accident. Delays can make it harder to prove your case and may lead to disputes or claim denials.
To protect your rights and avoid issues, it’s best to notify State Farm as soon as possible after the accident.
How much will my State Farm insurance go up after an accident?
State Farm does not publish a standard rate increase for all accidents because premium changes depend on many factors. These include:
- Whether you were at fault
- The severity of the accident
- Your driving and claims history
- Whether you have accident forgiveness as part of your policy
Industry studies show that insurance premiums can increase by 20% to 40% after an at-fault accident, but the exact amount varies by policy and location. Minor claims may lead to smaller increases, while serious accidents with significant payouts could result in higher premiums.
For the most accurate information, review your policy documents or speak directly with your State Farm agent.
